Use the 4th of July news release on allergies and asthma as:
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Material you can distribute to local media (sample cover email below)
Content to upload to your website and/or newsletter
Informational flyer for patients/public
Red, White and Ah-choo? Not this Year
Dear [INSERT REPORTER’S NAME]:
With the 4th of July around the corner, no one wants to be a “Yankee Doodle Scratchy.” Loads of people
make plans to get out and enjoy the mid-summer fun. They hope to avoid the allergic symptoms which
can appear in June and July – and which can pop up around certain celebrations.
Below my signature are some tips for those who want their 4th of July celebrations to be itch, sneeze and
wheeze-free. (Probably not the kind of freedom the Founding Fathers were referring to, but important
non-the-less.)
As a local allergist who specializes in treating allergy and asthma, I would be happy to speak with you
about how those with allergies and asthma can avoid 4th of July triggers.
I’m available by phone [INSERT PHONE NUMBER] or e-mail [INSERT EMAIL].
Thank you for your time,
[INSERT NAME]
[INSERT PRACTICE]
Red, White and Ah-choo? Not this Year
Steer clear of asthma and allergy triggers on the 4th of July
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[INSERT YOUR CITY, STATE] [INSERT DATE] – You and your family have big 4th of July plans: fireworks,
picnics, parades and swimming. Now you just need to make sure that no one ends up red (itchy rashes)
white (box full of tissues) or blue (coughing or an asthma attack) for the wrong reasons.
“Summer is the time of year when everyone wants to enjoy being outside,” said allergist [INSERT NAME,
INSERT PRACTICE]. “That’s why it’s so important to be prepared so allergies and asthma don’t
overshadow the festivities.”
Following are some tips to help you swell with pride – and not an allergic reaction – when you see the
stars and stripes of the flag.
Splish splash – July 4th means getting in the water, but some people fear a chlorine allergy. While
chlorine isn’t actually an allergen, it can be irritating, causing eye and nose itching. And it can cause
some with asthma to experience difficulty breathing. Usually washing the affected area with clean water
removes the irritant, although sometimes, a corticosteroid cream may need to be prescribed.
Buzz off! – Truth is, it hurts to get stung by an insect. But some people have a serious, life-threatening
allergic reaction to insect venom. If you’re one of those people, you need to know what to do in an
emergency. If you experience facial swelling, difficulty breathing or another unusual reaction after an
insect sting, call 911 and receive immediate emergency care, including epinephrine (adrenaline.) Follow
up with an allergist, who can evaluate you for insect allergy, and possibly allergy shots that can save
your life.
Fly the flag, but steer clear of smoke. – Fireworks, campfires and asthma don’t mix. Smoke can cause
asthma symptoms to flare, and allergists recommend keeping your distance from both campfires and
fireworks. If you are near a campfire, sit upwind if possible. Go to a 4th of July concert instead, and
always carry your reliever inhaler.
Some like it hot. Some don’t. – You’ve been looking forward to the hot weather, but sudden changes in
temperature can trigger an asthma attack. Going inside a cold air-conditioned building or jumping into
cold water could be a trigger. Consider indoor exercise and other activities on hot, high pollen and
humid days, and watch out for “ozone alert” days. In addition, allergic symptoms from mold are
common in the late summer and throughout the fall. Freshly mowed grass and dry, dusty sports fields
can result in high mold exposure.
If you have symptoms keeping you from summer fun, make an appointment with an allergist for proper
testing. For more information about seasonal allergies, and to locate an allergist in your area, visit
AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org [OR INSERT YOUR WEBSITE].
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